Transmission Question

Was wondering if anyone has had this experience before…
When I come to a complete stop, I will remove my foot from the brake and press the gas pedal. It revs a little bit then seems like it grabs a gear and goes forward. This doesn’t always happen, but seems like it has gotten worse in the last month or so. To me, it feels like I may need another transmission. I am not a mechanic tho. Not even close. I’ve got 230k on my 04 DC V-8.
I also think maybe it’s the timing belt, which I believe will be my 1st option. Whatcha think? Any and all ideas welcome. Thanks

 

Have you checked your transmission fluid level?

 

Check your tranny fluid level and condition. When was the last time it was changed? Low fluid can cause slips or hard shifts.

 

Sounds like what often happens when you’re low on fluid. Do you know how to correctly check your fluid? Have you checked it?

 

This is at cold. I’m about to take a ride and get it up to operating temperature and check it then. I’ll get back to you all. Thanks

 

If the following conditions were met:

• You were parked on level ground
• The transmission was cold when you checked
• You hadn't added any fluid and shifted thru gears yet...

Then you're low on fluid. Don't simply add fluid. You need to add fluid, start the truck, shift thru the gears end-to-end half a dozen times, then shut off, let it cool down, and check again.

BUT PLEASE READ THE DIP STICK TO MAKE SURE I GOT HOT AND COLD CORRECT. I MIGHT BE BACKWARDS.

My eyesights sucks. It's stamped into the dipstick between those high/low lines. I'll update the image if I find I'm wrong.

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Here. (Note: If anyone reading has '00-'02, you'll use DexIII or higher fluid, '03-'04 uses T-IV)

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I’ve never found the shifting through all the gears method to work for me. I always take a short drive at low speeds (under 40 mph) for 10-15 minutes. Highway driving (over 55 mph) definitely puts me over.

 

Here is what I got after…I followed all the suggestions. Thanks. Haven’t had any of the previous issues today. Will keep ya posted.

 

So you've already put one transmission in it??

 

It looks pinkish and doesn't look like burnt used motor oil so that good.

 

Whether that level is right or not is kinda dependent on a couple things.

1. What temp the transmission was at the time of reading.
2. Whether you'd already wiped and reinserted the dipstick to get your reading shown.
3. Whether or not you'd shifted through the gears, ideally with engine running, after you added fluid but before you pulled/wiped/inserted/pulled dipstick.
4. Whether or not the transmission was at operating temp, or cold.

As-shown, looks like it's filled to up to my red line which is the on the "low" side of the HOT notch (i.e. when measured @ operating temp). My yellow line is the "HIGH" (max fill) level if measuring while hot.

Previously it was at the "low" side of where it should be when COOL. If you checked all the boxes on my 1/2/3 above, and you took this reading while hot you may still be a bit low.

NOTE: Overfilling the transmission can be detrimental to its life/operation also.

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Ah ... But the fact the transmission is shifting correctly at the moment would suggest that, in fact, you were low on fluid.

You might want to figure out why that is.

Did you drain/fill at some point and not double-check the fluid level after putting a few miles on it?
Did you change the radiator, and lose a fair amount of fluid when you disconnected the transmission lines from the bottom of the radiator?
Have you seen any drips in the driveway, or noticed leaking from the trans cooler (if you have) or transmission lines?

Why I'm asking is this: "Pink Milkshake"

Where those transmission lines pass through the bottom of the radiator, those fittings are known for eventually giving up the ghost, then you start mixing antifreeze and transmission fluid, which will kill your transmission. It's a major reason why proactive radiator replacement is suggested (100k-150k miles). If you catch it fast enough, you can stave off major damage.

I'd be curious though, where that fluid went.

 

No I have not. My apologies if I misled by choice of words

 

Did you have to add any fluid to it?

 

The truck was sitting in same spot for at least 2 yrs when I found it, and bought it. I havent seen any leaks anywhere I’ve parked. The radiator has some new looking bolts on the side, so I’m assuming it’s been changed. It is an aftermarket one as well. After looking under the whole truck, I did notice a little fluid around the end of tranny where the driveshaft is connected. I’m gonna assume that’s where it is going

 

Yes. 2 quarts

 

Potentialy the output shaft seal is bad. Reputable transmission shop can fix, if so, probably at a reasonable price.

Keep an eye on it. It looks like it was originally half a quart low (maybe 1 quart). 2 quarts might've been overfilling, but if it's leaking out, I guess it won't matter.

If you took that reading while at operating temperature, like after a 10-20 mile ride, that would be good info to share. If you took it while cold, you're overfilled a bit.

 

It was taken after a 15 min ride across town and back. It was hot while I took the last reading.

 

I recommend to check again while cold, pull dipstick, wipe clean, re-insert fully, pull out again and check.

While cold you're looking at the left-hand notch, ideally you need it to be inside this blue box.

Ideally, I'd want it to be in the red half of that blue box, bot not outside the blue.
It's OK if it's in the yellow half also, but if it is, keep your eye on it if you're leaking.

Not trying to hammer you on this, just the usual, offering up unsolicited advice

 

I asked for advice. Thank you thank you. As well as everyone else who chimed in. Appreciate it

 

Checked it when I got off work an hr ago and it was a lil past the 2nd notch for cold read….just a hair…
She seems happy

 

This is being checked while running and in park or neutral right? I haven't seen that confirmed in any post.